Anti-terrorism bollards planned for Hampton Court Bridge
It comes after counter terrorism police identified it as a potential place for an attack
Anti-terror bollards will be installed on Hampton Court Bridge after counter terrorism police identified it as a potential place for an attack.
Elmbridge Borough Council’s north area planning sub committee meeting approved a listed building consent application for a raised kerb on the bridge as well as 150 black bollards on the pavement to prevent a car deliberately driving onto it.
According to a council officer’s report, the proposal was put forward following the 2017 Westminster and London Bridge terrorist attacks, and the potential risk at this particular location and its popularity with tourists.
The Lutyens Trust, an organisation celebrating the work of the architect who designed the bridge, branded the measure as an “ugly and intrusive mutilation”.
Permission had previously been approved by Richmond Council for the north side of the bridge, the southern half is the responsibility of Elmbridge Borough Council.
The measures will also protect the bridge, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, because there are concerns the pavement is not strong enough to take the weight of any vehicle that might mount the kerb and could damage water, gas and electric supplies that run under the pavement.
The application was made by Surrey County Council after its highways team, along with that of Richmond Council plus the Met Police and counter-terrorism department recommended measures should be put in place to prevent a vehicle attack by terrorists.
The changes to the pavement will reduce the width of the pavement by nearly a metre.
Councillor Steve Bax for Molesey East, chairing the meeting, said: “I find myself thinking that were we to refuse and something did happen, God forbid, questions would be asked of us and why we didn’t decide to take these these precautions.
“I certainly don’t want to spoil the the natural beauty of the bridge in any way but I think the the safety considerations have to be considered.”
According to council documents, the bollards have been chosen for their heritage aesthetic as well as having the required anti-ram properties to stop vehicles gaining access behind the kerbs. They also have a role in stopping people tripping over the new raised kerb.
An objection letter submitted on behalf of the Lutyens Trust said: “The bridge was specifically designed to offer a fitting contribution to the setting of Hampton Court Palace. It is the principle pedestrian route for Palace visitors arriving by train.
“The Lutyens Trust are not convinced that the engineering or safety needs have been made for the proposed ugly and intrusive mutilation of this elegant bridge.”
Historic Royal Palaces also objected to the plans because the Bridge is the “principal approach to the palace from the south of the river and offers panoramic view of the Tudor palace.”
Councillors were reminded that because this was an application for listed building consent nothing other than matters affecting the heritage asset could be considered, such as traffic or the effect on cyclists on the bridge.